Trade the Tourist Trail for Authentic Adventures

Trade the Tourist Trail for Authentic Adventures with Six Surprising Detour Destinations. Rewire your mind and forget the familiar. These detours around Asia reveal a world of hidden gems, local flavour, and unforgettable stories waiting to be told.

2026 is officially the Year of the Detour. Travellers are ditching the queues and chasing something far more rewarding: authentic, local, and deeply memorable. Recent data confirms 63% of travellers plan to explore a Detour Destination on their next getaway. Whether it’s an upcountry Bali retreat or a plunge into Bangkok’s buzzing neighbourhoods, the detour is the destination. BWH Hotels, the global hospitality enterprise behind WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, is leading the way with 18 distinct brands. BWH Hotels doesn’t just offer a place to sleep It offers fresh perspectives, unexpected discoveries, and travel stories worth telling.

Six Detour Destinations BWH Hotels Invites You To Explore.

Sama Sama Hotel KLIA, WorldHotels Elite, Putrajaya, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur dazzles with its iconic Petronas Towers and the soaring Merdeka 118 skyscraper. But just beyond the capital lies Putrajaya, Malaysia’s stunning administrative capital and true hidden gem. Think shimmering lake and a Departure Detour. Many rooms at Sama Sama Hotel overlook the runways of Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Plane-spotters will be delighted. Every room is fully soundproofed, so rest comes easily after a day of exploration.

Hangzhou Goethe Hotel, Hangzhou China, WorldHotels Distinctive

Hangzhou, a train ride from Shanghai, has inspired poets for centuries with its tranquil West Lake. Tea pavilions and the city’s scenic spirit add a charming contrast to China’s busy metropolises. Idyllic Detour: Hangzhou Goethe Hotel sits perfectly on West Lake Avenue. The tranquil shores and shaded lakeside paths are just a short walk away. Slow travel has never looked this good.

Aiden Darling Harbour, Sydney Australia

Downtown Detour: Aiden Darling Harbour is a stylish urban retreat offering guests easy access to the heart of the city. Surrounded by lively markets and local attractions. Darling Harbour blends history with creativity. Explore heritage lanes, museums, and a lively waterfront. Once a railway goods yard and industrial port, Darling Harbour now one of Sydney’s most vibrant waterfront precincts. History hides in plain sight; revamped warehouses, brickwork lanes, and heritage buildings tell a long story. The Australian National Maritime Museum brings the city’s seafaring past to life in wonderfully interactive ways. One step from your door. Unlock Sydney’s hidden bars, quirky boutiques, and late-night bites. Choose adventure within walking distance. Book your detour and let Sydney surprise.

Best Western Premier Agung Resort, Ubud Bali Indonesia

Ubud is Bali’s wild heart. Forget beach crowds, try monkey forests, rafting, jungle hikes, and sunrise yoga. The town pulses with art, music, and ceremonies. Rice terraces glow at sunset, markets brim with crafts. Dawn Detour: Rise early and unroll your mat for an outdoor yoga session on the rice field. Watch the sun climb above the forest canopy as the dawn chorus fills the air. There is no better way to start a day in Ubud.

SureStay by Best Western Iconic Ari-Jatujak, Thailand

Ari in Bangkok is a local favourite, cafe culture, street food, and vibrant markets. Sip coffee, browse vintage shops, and enjoy colourful murals. Ari is relaxed and connects with the true local spirit. Red Dip Detour. After an immersive day exploring Bangkok, take a revitalising dip in the hotel’s striking cherry-red outdoor swimming pool. It’s the perfect full stop to a perfect day.

Portopia Hotel, WorldHotels Elite, Kobe, Japan

Kobe distinguishes itself from Kyoto and Osaka with spectacular art, waterfront strolls, and moving memorials. This makes it Kansai’s hidden star. Dig into famous Kobe beef, or hop on a ferry for awesome city views. The city blends tradition, spirit, and vibrant flair, Kobe gives a fresh take on Japan. Detour: Portopia has 12 restaurants, including sushi, teppanyaki, kushiage, and more. Taste your way through Japanese flavours without leaving the hotel. After dinner, check out Kobe’s jazz bars or stroll the harbour for a night view.

The best travel stories never start with “I went where everyone else went.” They start with a detour. From Putrajaya’s pink mosque to Kobe’s resilient waterfront. The world’s most rewarding moments are waiting just off the beaten path. BWH Hotels is your passport to it all, with world-class stays that put you exactly where the adventure begins. This year, take the detour, and you won’t look back.